German manufacturer Neumann has reissued the iconic M 50 as the M 50 V, preserving the original acoustical design while adding modern improvements for contemporary recording.
Neumann has announced the return of their tube microphone M 50, one of the most revered in classical recording history. Originally introduced in 1951, the M 50 became the benchmark for orchestral recording and was instrumental in developing the Decca Tree technique—a stereo miking setup that remains the gold standard for classical music and film scoring to this day.
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The new M 50 V isn’t a reimagining or a tribute model. Neumann has faithfully preserved the original acoustical concept, including the small diaphragm omni capsule mounted in a 40 mm sphere, while introducing subtle updates for more modern production environments. The most significant change is a titanium diaphragm replacing the original material, offering improved stability and longevity while maintaining the vivid imaging and powerful bass response that made the M 50 legendary. Beyond the titanium capsule, improvements include enhanced mechanical decoupling in the yoke mount, reducing handling noise and vibration transfer.
“Our goal was to honour the legacy while meeting the demands of modern recording,” explains Jorma Marquardt, Portfolio Manager at Neumann.
Original circuit design remains intact, but Neumann has swapped in a modern ultra-low-noise subminiature tube and added RF-proof connectors to handle interference from today’s wireless-heavy environments. The included NM V power supply automatically adapts to local mains voltage and works with both new M 50 V units and vintage M 50 microphone—a clever touch for engineers who might already own originals.
Each M 50 V is handmade to order in Germany by Neumann’s dedicated service and quality control team. Production is deliberately limited to maintain the highest of standards, with each component meticulously inspected and assembled. Neumann isn’t going down the route of mass production for this one—after all, this is a recreation of a microphone that defined the sound of countless classical albums, Hollywood scoring stages, and even found its way into pop and jazz sessions as a room mic for drums, brass sections, and ensembles.
The M 50 V set includes the handmade microphone with a titanium capsule, NM V power supply, the iconic yoke mount, RF-proof connectors and 10-metre cable, and a high-quality case also made in Germany. Orders of two or more microphones include matching for stereo or multi-mic configurations.
For those working in orchestral recording, film scoring, or immersive audio formats, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of recording history rebuilt for this era of recording.
More information is available at neumann.com.
